Jamaican Church Leaders Battling Proposed Casinos

Church leaders in Jamaica see the writing on the wall for the islands first casinos. They do not like the plan, and they have joined together to voice their displeasure with the proposal.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding has unveiled a plan to legislators that would bring Jamaica their first gambling casinos. The casinos would help to boost revenue on the island.

Church leaders seem appalled that the Prime Minister would go to these lengths to help raise revenue. They have called on legislators to reject the plan from Golding.

"It seems incredible that those charged with the administration of the country's affairs should even think of introducing an activity which has shown to produce an increase in crime, violence, and moral degradation," said Reverend Henley Bernard, from the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.

Church leaders have already blocked several attempts to allow casino gambling in Jamaica. They vow that this time will be no different, and that legislators should consider all options other than legalizing casinos.

Golding is looking to further the current system. Slot machines do exist in hotels already. Under the new plan, developers would have to guarantee a $1.5 billion investment. That would include the casino, and also a hotel joining the casino with a minimum of 1,000 rooms.

May 6, 2008
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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